Growing safety and hygiene concerns have been raised by residents and business owners on Union Street, where groups of vagrants have been gathering, littering and abusing substances in recent months.

Breggie van Loggenberg, a resident, said the corner of Union and Sauer Street has become a hotspot for the homeless. She described constant fights during the day and groups sleeping on the corner at night.

Her biggest concerns are public substance abuse, drinking and defecation on the sidewalks. She added that many collect rubbish to recycle but leave a mess behind, which local businesses then clean.

“What if a child accidentally steps on one of the needles left behind? Their lives could be ruined forever. There is simply no respect,” Van Loggenberg said.

She said she has reported the issue multiple times, but has been told that little can be done to move the homeless.

Business owner Nazir Aamir also noted the impact on trade.

“Customers are complaining and do not want to buy from my shop anymore. When I ask the individuals to move, they say it is municipal property and refuse. One even threatened me,” he said.

A car guard working in the area added that the problem has persisted for years and affects his work because residents avoid parking there.

Randfontein Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson Ruan Sheppard said the matter falls under municipal by-laws rather than criminal offences.

“The municipality must get the police to enforce by-laws like loitering. But moving the vagrants is tricky – they often return or move to another area,” he explained.

Sheppard added that patrollers have been asked to monitor the street regularly, but this diverts attention from issues such as theft and robbery. A task team is currently working to implement by-laws that could provide a long-term solution.

Rand West City spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa confirmed the request for comment but had not provided feedback at the time of publication. An update will follow once a response is received.